Baripada, Feb 25: Residents of Mayurbhanj district are set to enjoy improved air connectivity with the upcoming launch of the Bhubaneswar–Baripada heli taxi service. A successful trial run of the service was conducted on Tuesday at the Police Ground in Baripada, marking a significant step toward the formal launch of the service.

The heli taxi service aims to significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Baripada, enhancing regional connectivity and providing quicker, more convenient travel options for residents.

In addition to the Bhubaneswar–Baripada route, Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, informed the Odisha Assembly that the state government is also planning to introduce heli taxi services on the Bhubaneswar–Gopalpur and Bhubaneswar–Similipal routes. To operate these services, the Odisha government has selected Pawan Hans Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Minister Jena also announced plans to construct a new helipad near Similipal National Park to improve access to the ecologically sensitive area. The Mayurbhanj district administration has been tasked with identifying suitable land for the project, following a proposal from Bangiriposhi MLA Sanjali Murmu.

The heli taxi service, along with the new helipad, is expected to bolster air connectivity to remote areas, boost eco-tourism, and facilitate faster movement of officials and emergency services in and around the Similipal region.